Job Shadow Reflection

Jordan Hills Elementary 5th grade teacher Ms. Shipley gave me the opportunity to go to
her classroom and observe. I have known for awhile that I want to become an elementary
school teacher, and to help make a difference in a classroom. During my time job shadowing I
learned many things that a teacher is required to do. Such as, teaching subjects, being there for
the students, talking and working with other teachers in the team, grading assignments and also
just having fun with the kids. One of the things that I really liked is what they do with math. At
the beginning of every unit all the 5th graders take a pre test, and that determines where they
are in that unit. Some kids may already have the knowledge of that unit and don´t need that
much help. On the other hand there is a handful of students that need extra help. For that unit
each 5th grade teacher will have a level that the students are at, and the students are separated
to attend the class that will get them the help that they truly need.
The main thing that I did while shadowing was walking around the room when they were
working individually, and sat in the back when they were all together learning. Also this year I
have had the opportunity to go each week to Ms. Shipley’s class and help her grade
assignments that she needs help with, so during my job shadowing I helped her grade papers. It
made me feel like a teacher besides actually teaching the students.
Since I have known Ms. Shipley and she has known my interest in becoming a teacher
she gave me the opportunity to job shadow the first grade department also. Which is really the
grade that I have been thinking I want to teach. This opened up my eyes to what teachers of
younger students do. The teachers will need a lot of patience. During my shadowing they had a
dental assembly that I went to with them, and actually am very grateful to see how a assembly
goes when you are the teacher rather than the student. All of the 1st grade teachers received
me with open arms and included me. I was really worried that they would just ignore me and
leave me in the background since I didn't know them. My favorite thing was their morning
routine on the carpet. Doing the pledge, reciting their school song, how many days that they
have attended school, and if that number is even or odd.
My time job shadowing the 1st and 5th grade department helped fill in the gaps that I
had questions about, and also if I really want to be a elementary school teacher. I know that it
will be a challenge. However, I am really looking forward to what the future will bring with
becoming a teacher. I am learning the skills and qualities that I need to have in order to be a
successful teacher, and I am ready for the task.